The Diabetes on the Waves 2024 project is an innovative initiative in therapeutic education, designed to empower minors with type 1 diabetes by enhancing their self-management skills and promoting social integration. Funded by the Puglia Region and implemented in collaboration with ASL FG, IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza," and third-sector organizations, the project aimed to create a comprehensive educational pathway through two key interventions: a residential summer camp for adolescents (12-14 years old) and an educational-therapeutic day for children (0-8 years old) and their families.

The project was based on a multidisciplinary and experiential educational approach, combining structured learning activities with real-life experiences to promote active self-management of diabetes. The summer camp provided an immersive environment where participants engaged in sports activities, emotional and nutritional workshops, self-monitoring of blood glucose levels, and peer education sessions. These activities aimed to improve autonomy, self-confidence, and emotional resilience while reinforcing their ability to manage diabetes independently.

For the younger children, the educational-therapeutic day was family-centered, emphasizing the crucial role of caregivers in diabetes management. Through interactive workshops, discussions with experts, and hands-on experiences, families learned practical strategies for everyday diabetes care, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. The initiative also addressed psychological and emotional aspects, providing guidance on coping mechanisms and reducing the sense of isolation associated with chronic illness.

To assess the project’s effectiveness, a multi-phase evaluation process was implemented:
- Continuous monitoring during activities, with structured observations by the diabetes care team;
- Post-test evaluations measuring improvements in self-management skills and emotional well-being;
- Follow-up surveys for parents at three and six months post-intervention, identifying key educational challenges and areas for improvement.

Preliminary results indicate significant progress in self-management abilities, with participants demonstrating increased confidence in handling daily diabetes care. Socially, the project fostered peer support and reduced feelings of stigma and isolation. However, the follow-up surveys with parents identified several key areas for further intervention, including:

Difficulties in maintaining consistent educational routines at home, especially regarding diet and physical activity.
A need for ongoing caregiver support, highlighting the importance of structured and easily accessible training programs.
The necessity of enhancing diabetes education in schools, ensuring that children receive appropriate support in academic and social settings.

The project has proven to be a replicable and scalable model of therapeutic education, successfully integrating experiential learning with community and family support. By fostering collaboration between healthcare professionals, educators, caregivers, and peer groups, the initiative demonstrates how structured educational interventions can lead to improved self-management, enhanced quality of life, and greater long-term health outcomes for young individuals living with diabetes. Future iterations of the program will seek to refine support strategies, expand educational outreach, and advocate for broader systemic changes.

Keywords: Diabetes Education, Self-Management, Experiential Learning, Family-Centered Care.